A data format that is used for providing frequently updated news or content to different users is defined as a web feed. The distributors of the content generally syndicate a web feed. The reason for the same is that they want different users to subscribe to it. Therefore, a web feed may also be called as a syndicated feed.
Aggregation may be defined as collecting several web feeds together so that they can be made accessible at one spot itself. This role of collection and accumulation is performed by an Internet Aggregator. The aggregator program is also termed as a feed reader or a news reader.
In case of a web feed, a feed link is generally provided by the content provider. This feed link is then published on their website from where the end users can possibly access it.
The aggregator normally asks all the servers which are present in the feed list in case they have any new content. In case any new content is available, the aggregator either downloads the new content or makes a note of it. A schedule can be set to the aggregators in order for them to check for new content on a regular basis. The type of content that is generally delivered by a web feed is either in HTML format. It may also link to certain webpages or links or may be to some kinds of digital media.
